Date of Award
5-4-2023
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Dr. Jennie Burnet
Second Advisor
Dr. Kathryn Kozaitis
Third Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Patico
Abstract
This thesis addresses the questions of how eastern Kentucky activists understand the July 2022 flooding, its impact on their lives, the lives of flood survivors, and what they and flood survivors want for the future and how eastern Kentucky are communities recovering from disaster. The goal of this research project was to collect community experiences, perspectives, and goals and to document recovery efforts. After analyzing 11 interviews with eastern Kentucky activists and participant observation data, I argue that the structural inequities related to coal mining influenced vulnerability, flood experiences, and recovery efforts. I also argue that the strong sense of community present in eastern Kentucky serves as a basis for improved recovery and resilience efforts. Better understanding the context of the flooding can aid eastern Kentucky activists, flood survivors, and allies in recovering, addressing structural violence, and preparing for the future.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/35371746
Recommended Citation
Smith, Margaret L., "Community Recovery in Eastern Kentucky after the July 2022 Flooding." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/35371746
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